Driving and permits in the USA

Follow our guidelines and precautions for an enjoyable drive

CampingCar-Online/Ramble Campervans remains at you service for all information regarding driving a motorhome in the USA and the necessary driving licenses.

Distance calculator for West America

The West Coast

*The distances are expressed in miles

The Far West & Texas

*The distances are expressed in miles

Distance calculator for America's East Coast

The Northeast

*The distances are expressed in miles

 Florida

*The distances are expressed in miles

Basic motorhome driving regulations in the USA

Generally driving in the USA is similar to driving in Europe. One drives on the right hand side of the road. However, some aspects are very different so please check current regulations before driving.

The roads are generally very large and well signposted with directions. 
All occupants of a motorhome must wear a seat belt (including children who must have a suitable child or booster seat).
The Permit B driving license is sufficient to for all of our vehicles.
The French license is valid for three months in the USA. Thereafter an international driving license is required (obtained at the prefecture for free).
Fatigue is a major cause of accidents so do not hesitate to take regular breaks from driving.
The speed limit on roads is 55 mph (89km/h) and sometimes 65 mph (104km/h) on certain highways. Be careful as the authorities are strict regarding speeding. When driving a motorhome through tolls and into service stations use the truck lane.

Safe and secure driving in the USA

The distances are expressed in miles, not kilometers. This can be misleading and cause you to underestimate your travel time.
Remember to take breaks from driving at least every 2 hours. The distances can be very long between two cities or two tourist sites.
Watch out for school buses (they are yellow). When they flash a stop sign it indicates an immediate halt in both directions of traffic and no overtaking is allowed. The speed limit is very low near schools.
Remember that your motorhome is longer and taller than a car. Watch out for signs indicating height restrictions. Also be careful of low hanging tree branches in campsites (be very aware of height restrictions and high objects when reversing).
Please note that a two-wheel drive vehicle can only be driven on paved roads (unless otherwise stated in our terms and conditions). The all-terrain or 4x4 vehicles can take dirt roads but there may be restrictions indicated in our general rental conditions.

Fuel and service stations in the USA

Fuel is measured by the gallon. 1 gallon = 3.785 litres.

In general fuel is much less expensive in the USA than in Europe. But the price can change quickly. More rural service stations tend to be less expensive than those in the cities. Always check the total fuel tank capacity of your vehicle before departing on a long journey, as often the service stations in rural and wilderness areas can be more spread out.